Its ironic that the most recognised Christian responsibility to others - to love your neighbour as yourself -has become a generalised command to love everyone, with little reference to our real neighbours in the same street who remain virtually anonymous.

• What if God lived next door?
• Would you recognise him?
• Would you talk to him at the fence or avoid catching his eye?
• Would you love him as you love yourself?

Choosing to engage with our neighbourhoods as places of community requires creativity and purpose. The rewards are great, for both families and churches.

Nurturing community in the local area is a challenging task but it ought to be seen as a vital part of the mission of the church.